comparative genomics – Page 7

Thermotolerance and post-fire growth in Rhizina undulata is associated with the expansion of heat stress-related protein families

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Rhizina undulata is a fungus that infects conifer trees and uniquely relies on the heat from forest fires to wake up and start growing. Scientists sequenced the fungus’s DNA and discovered it has extra copies of genes that help it survive extreme heat, deal with harmful molecules created by heat stress, and digest burned plant material. These genetic adaptations explain how this fungus has evolved to take advantage of fire events for its survival and spread.

Whole Genome Sequence of an Edible Mushroom Stropharia rugosoannulata (Daqiugaigu)

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Scientists have decoded the complete genetic blueprint of the wine cap mushroom (Stropharia rugosoannulata), a popular edible mushroom grown worldwide. The research identified over 12,000 genes and discovered the mushroom contains powerful enzymes that break down plant material, explaining why it grows so well on straw and corn stalks. The study also revealed that different parts of the mushroom (cap and stem) have different functions, with stems focusing on energy production and caps on growth and development.

Gene duplication, horizontal gene transfer, and trait trade-offs drive evolution of postfire resource acquisition in pyrophilous fungi

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Scientists studied fungi that thrive in burned soils after wildfires. They discovered these ‘fire-loving’ fungi have special genes for breaking down charcoal and acquiring nutrients, but this specialization comes at a cost—they grow more slowly than other fungi. The research identified three main evolutionary strategies these fungi use: duplicating useful genes, sexually reproducing to create genetic diversity, and occasionally borrowing genes from bacteria. These findings could help develop treatments to restore polluted or fire-damaged soils.

Diverse nitrogen acquisition strategies of conifer-associated ectomycorrhizal fungi shape unique responses to changing nitrogen regimes

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This research examines how different types of mushroom fungi that partner with conifer trees acquire nitrogen in different ways. Using genomic analysis, lab experiments, and historical mushroom samples from the past 60 years, scientists found that even closely related fungal species have distinct strategies for obtaining nitrogen from different sources. These findings suggest that coniferous forests may respond quite differently to changes in nitrogen availability compared to forests with broadleaf trees.

De Novo Genome Assembly and Comparative Genome Analysis of the Novel Human Fungal Pathogen Trichosporon austroamericanum Type-Strain CBS 17435

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Scientists sequenced the complete genome of a dangerous fungal species called Trichosporon austroamericanum that can cause serious infections in humans, particularly transplant patients. Using advanced long-read sequencing technology, they assembled the organism’s 21 million base pair genome and compared it to a closely related fungal species. The analysis showed this species is genetically distinct and has interesting characteristics that help it survive at higher temperatures than most other fungi. This genetic information will help doctors and researchers better understand and treat infections caused by this emerging pathogenic yeast.

Integrated genome and transcriptome analysis reveals pathogenic mechanisms of Calonectria eucalypti in Eucalyptus leaf blight

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This research examines a dangerous fungus called Calonectria eucalypti that destroys eucalyptus trees worldwide. Scientists sequenced the fungus’s complete genetic code and tracked which genes turn on during infection, discovering that the pathogen uses different sets of genes at different stages of infection. By identifying key virulence genes and understanding how the fungus attacks plant cells, this research provides a foundation for developing better ways to prevent and manage eucalyptus leaf blight disease.

Draft genome sequence of Neofusicoccum caryigenum associated with pecan leaf dieback

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Scientists have sequenced the complete genetic code of a fungus called Neofusicoccum caryigenum that causes pecan leaf dieback, a disease affecting pecan trees in the southeastern United States. The fungus was first identified in 2021 and causes leaves to fall off pecan trees, reducing crop yields. This genetic information will help researchers better understand the disease and develop ways to prevent or control it.

Myco-Ed: Mycological curriculum for education and discovery

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Myco-Ed is an educational program that teaches students about fungi while helping scientists discover new fungal species. Students collect fungi from their environment, learn laboratory and computing skills, and send samples to be sequenced to create reference genomes. This program both trains the next generation of fungal experts and expands our understanding of fungal diversity, which is important for medicine, agriculture, and the environment.

Gene transfer between fungal species triggers repeated coffee wilt disease outbreaks

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A new study reveals that coffee wilt disease, which has destroyed coffee crops across Africa, emerges repeatedly because of gene-swapping between different fungal species. Scientists discovered that large chunks of DNA called ‘Starships’ act like genetic delivery vehicles, transferring disease-causing genes from one fungus to another. This genetic exchange allows the pathogen to adapt and infect different coffee plant species, causing successive outbreaks. Understanding this mechanism could help protect global coffee production in the future.

Whole-genome sequencing of Fusarium oxysporum K326-S isolated from tobacco

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Scientists have sequenced the complete genetic blueprint of a fungus that causes root rot in tobacco plants. This fungus, Fusarium oxysporum K326-S, damages tobacco crops by causing roots to brown and wilt. The detailed genome map they created contains over 17,000 genes and will help farmers and researchers develop better strategies to prevent and control this destructive disease in the future.

Research Keyword: comparative genomics